www.iFourWinns.com

Got myself into a little bit of a jam last weekend. While trying to get up on plane in an area that apparently was a bit too shallow I heard a moderate "thump". I didn't think too much of it as I assumed that I had just gotten into the muck/clay bottom of the channel. The boat ran very nice the rest of the weekend at variable speeds and under high loads (8 people w/ multiple coolers). I did not notice any obvious vibration/shutter/etc or noises.

Well, weekend was done and it came time to pull the boat (we had slipped it for the weekend); and I noticed that my SS prop had a bent blade. Only one of the 3 blades was bent, and it was the outermost inch or so of the blad that was out of place.

I am aware that it takes a considerable amount of force to bend a SS prop. While the boat was not going very fast, the prop was definitely spinning at considerable RPM's since I was trying to get up on plane.

I have already sent the prop off for repair. I am also planning on changing the drive oil to look for water/metal fragments.

Do you guys think this is good enough? Or should I be more concerned and have the drive inspected by a mechanic. I was planning on having the drive pulled this fall for bellows/alignment. Would it make sense to do it now to make sure I am good to go?

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2008 H200SS w/ 5.7L VP Gi
2009 GMC Yukon

Former Boat:
2008 H180 w/ 3.0L VP

I bent 3 blades on my front prop earlier this year. Have the lower drive inspected, its a little money that could save you a lot in the long run. I ended up buying a new front prop, and I sent the old one in for repair. $230 later, I picked it up today and I will keep it for a spare.

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2011 SL242 5.7 VP GXi - 320 HP Dual Prop

Actually you don't really need to pull the drive but it's a good idea to check the prop shaft for run out because if there was any damage beyond the prop that would be the most likely thing. Running with a bent prop shaft can cause damage due to vibration. If you change the props and there is a vibration that was not there before then it's likely a bent prop shaft.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

As with any contact with your drive I would get it checked. Better to be safe than sorry. Hence, I believe aluminium props are good for that reason. Being softer, they absorb more impact and bend reducing in some cases, further damage up the train.

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2006 Four Winns, Horizon 180. Alpha 1 Gen2 leg with Solas SS 4 Blade Prop
135 HP Mercruiser. Clarion Stereo System. Swim Platform made in Colorado and Imported to Sydney.

I've hit a stump at about 45mph, and managed to take a chunk out of my skeg. I've also had many damaged alum props over the years, but nothing since I went to SS.

In your shoes, I would....
1. Get prop repaired/replaced
2. Check/replace rubber prop hub... this is the part that really takes the beating, not the drive.
3. Check prop shaft for run-out (no more than 0.003"-0.005")

If the above are OK, and based on your post they should be, then I wouldn't worry.

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Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

Between the upper and lower halves of the drive is a coupler, it is meant to twist and possible break upon impact, if that couple got twisted it could break and leave you stranded...for the time it takes to get the lower half off and the possible the price of the coupler it would be something I would want to have checked out.

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Brian Borchik
The Winds of Cold Springs Harbor Marina
Baldwinsville, NY

I am dealing with it now.......whole new lower unit....$6K!

I hope yours is ok!!!

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[img][IMG]http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/swedcars1/th_boat2012.jpg[/img][/img]

2008 H190 Four Winns (Volvo Penta 4.3L 225HP)
2009 Nissan Pathfinder
2002 Porsche Boxster.....recently SOLD

Quick update.... ran out to Harbor Freight and picked up a dial indicator. Tested the shaft in multiple locations and all runout was between 0.002 and 0.004. Hopefully this means that I haven't bent the shaft (at least not enough to be of any concern). I will hopefully be picking up the repaired prop tomorrow and then will be changing lower unit oil to inspect for any signs of water and/or metal shavings. Looks like I may have dodged a bullet on this one and only cost me a prop rebuild and a dial indicator! Thanks all for the advice and good luck to those currently dealing with a potentially damaged outdrive.

I will definitely be making sure my "big boned" buddies sit in the front now, instead of in the back drinking more beer Or perhaps, I should have just listened to the admiral when she said "don't gun it yet"

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2008 H200SS w/ 5.7L VP Gi
2009 GMC Yukon

Former Boat:
2008 H180 w/ 3.0L VP